The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

One of the realities of small island nations is the need for all the governmental administrative machinery that a well rounded society should have. Saint Lucia is no different, and the Cancer Society has to get maximum returns and results from prudent use of its limited funds, which are from donations, subscriptions and government. Tackling the multibillion dollar tobacco industry is a priority.

Traditionally, the Cancer Society dealt directly with individuals and patients, including financial support for treatment or early detection clinics. Sustained support for our community entails mixing the traditional with lobbying for policy changes, primarily governmental. Advocacy results in amplified benefit for a greater number of individuals.

Getting the message across can cost thousands. A close relationship with the media has helped the Cancer Society to reach thousands nationally. The Society established a good rapport with the BBC Caribbean network and has reached a wider regional population.

Measuring impact in tobacco control can be done by ticking off the steps in the FCTC process, from negotiation and ratification, to implementation at a local level. Tobacco control measures are cheap since governments have the machinery for developing and implementing legislation. We have used a “sandwich technique” in lobbying policy makers – using advocacy at a national level and contacts/advocacy at regional & international levels to pressure the policy makers from above and below.

Advocacy efforts have gained us a position of trust with government – we provide policy advice to government on tobacco control, such as taxation and product labeling.